AC410/AC430 Development
AC410, is a potent, selective, orally-administered, small molecule inhibitor of janus kinase 2 (JAK2), which has potential utility for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Our initial JAK2 drug candidate, AC430, is a racemic mixture (50/50) of two enantiomers (mirror images), AC410 and AC409, and was studied in a Phase 1 clinical trial. AC430 was well tolerated and adverse events were all mild-to-moderate.
We have selected AC410 over AC430 and AC409 for further clinical development due to its superior pharmacokinetics as observed in this clinical trial. To our knowledge, AC430 was the first selective JAK2 inhibitor to be advanced into clinical development for inflammatory disease, and we believe AC410 may offer distinct benefits in this commercially attractive drug category. We plan to advance AC410 to proof-of-concept clinical trials in one or more autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, independently or in collaboration with a strategic partner.
Role of JAK2 in Inflammatory Diseases
The JAK family comprises of four intracellular, non-receptor tyrosine kinases: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and Tyk2. JAK plays a central role in the cytokine signaling processes within the immune system.
Inflammatory diseases are frequently characterized by an over-active immune response driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intracellular signaling for a specific subset of pro-inflammatory cytokines is mediated through JAK2. Inhibition of JAK2 reduces the signaling activity of these cytokines which may lead to a reduction in inflammation.